Updos look elegant, but they can feel stressful because you want them to stay secure and look smooth from every angle. The truth is that most updos don’t fail because you lack skill. They fail because the foundation isn’t stable, or the style doesn’t match your hair type and length. Once you understand that, updos get much easier.
Many people assume you need long hair or professional pinning to wear an updo. You don’t. The goal is using smart sections, the right placement, and pins that support the shape instead of fighting it. Texture also helps, even if you prefer a sleek finish.
In this article, you’ll find more than 20 updo hairstyle ideas that instantly elevate your look, plus practical guidance on prep, pinning, and hold so your style feels comfortable, stays put, and looks intentional all day.
20 Updo Hairstyles You’ll Love
Messy Low Bun with Face-Framing Strands
This messy low bun is absolutely perfect for everyday wear! The face-framing strands add so much softness and romance. I wore this exact style to a casual outdoor wedding last summer and got so many compliments. The best part? It looks intentionally undone, so even if a few more pieces fall out during the day, it just adds to the look. This is one of those easy updo hairstyles that takes five minutes but looks like you spent an hour on it!
Sleek High Bun
The sleek high bun is so polished and sophisticated! It’s timeless, elegant, and shows off your face beautifully.
Braided Crown Updo
Braided crowns are having such a moment! The intricate braiding creates this stunning halo effect. This is one of those cute updo hairstyles that works beautifully for festivals, weddings, or really any time you want to feel like a bohemian princess. The braid keeps everything secure while still looking romantic and whimsical.
Twisted Low Chignon
The twisted chignon is classic French elegance! The twisting adds texture and visual interest.
High Ponytail Updo with Volume
A voluminous high ponytail is so glamorous! The height and volume create such a dramatic, statement-making look. My hairstylist taught me the trick of backcombing at the crown before pulling it up, and it makes such a difference. This updo hairstyles for work option is perfect because it’s polished enough for professional settings but still has personality and style!
French Twist Updo
The French twist never goes out of style! It’s sophisticated, sleek, and absolutely timeless.
Low Braided Bun
Braiding before bunning adds so much texture! The combination creates this beautiful, intricate look. This is one of those elegant updo hairstyles that looks complex but is actually pretty straightforward once you break it down.
Half-Up Twisted Knot
Half-up styles are the best of both worlds! You get the polish of an updo with the softness of hair down.
Curly Updo with Pinned Tendrils
Curly updos are absolutely gorgeous! The pinned curls create such beautiful texture and volume. This is perfect for naturally curly hair because you’re working with your natural texture instead of fighting it. My friend with curly hair wore this to her sister’s wedding and it held up beautifully all night while still looking soft and romantic!
Bubble Ponytail Updo
Bubble ponytails are so fun and playful! The segmented bubbles create such visual interest.
Braided Updo with Tiny Accent Braids
Multiple braids create such an intricate, detailed look! The tiny accent braids add extra dimension.
Low Messy Bun with Braid Crown
Combining a braid crown with a messy bun is genius! You get the best of both styles.
Top Knot with Sleek Sides
Top knots are so chic and modern! The sleek sides create such a polished, editorial look. This is one of those short updo hairstyles that works beautifully even if you don’t have a ton of length. The height of the knot creates the illusion of more hair while the sleek sides keep everything neat and sophisticated. Perfect for when you want to look put-together quickly!
Low Twisted Ponytail Updo
Twisting adds such elegant detail! The low placement keeps it sophisticated and timeless.
Gibson Tuck Updo
The Gibson tuck is vintage glamour at its finest! This rolled updo creates such a classic, 1940s-inspired silhouette. The way the hair tucks under and rolls creates this beautiful, smooth shape that’s so elegant. This is one of those hairstyles updo easy options once you get the technique down because it’s literally just rolling your ponytail under and pinning it!
Side-Swept Updo with Loose Curls
Side-swept updos are so romantic! The asymmetry creates beautiful movement and drama.
Dutch Braid into a Bun
Dutch braids add such gorgeous texture! Braiding into a bun creates this stunning, dimensional updo. The Dutch braid technique makes the braid pop out instead of laying flat, which creates more visual impact. I learned how to Dutch braid specifically for this style and now it’s one of my go-to looks for special occasions!
Loose Romantic Updo with Floral Accessories
Floral accessories make any updo feel special! The loose, romantic styling is perfect for weddings.
Rope Braid Updo
Rope braids create such unique texture! The twisted rope effect is so interesting and different. This is one of those elegant updo hairstyles that stands out because the rope braid technique isn’t as common as regular braiding. The way the two twisted sections wrap around each other creates this beautiful, sculptural effect that’s so sophisticated!
Textured Low Bun with Volume at the Crown
Volume at the crown makes such a difference! The textured low bun is elegant but still has personality. The height at the crown elongates your face while the textured bun adds softness.
How to Choose an Updo That Looks Stunning and Stays Comfortable
A stunning updo looks good because it has structure and balance. It also needs comfort, or you will spend the night adjusting pins. The best updos always start with a solid base and a clear silhouette.
What makes an updo work:
-
An anchor ponytail or braid. You build the updo on top of something secure, so it does not slide.
-
Balanced volume. Too much height can look dated. Too flat can look severe. Aim for soft lift at the crown and clean sides.
-
Texture that holds. Slightly dirty hair or prepped hair holds pins better than silky fresh hair.
Common mistakes:
-
You pin outward and the style loosens. Pin toward the center so everything locks together.
-
You hide everything too perfectly and lose softness. Pull a few small pieces at the temples or around the ears for a flattering finish.
Quick decision guide:
-
Want elegant? Choose a low chignon with a smooth base.
-
Want romantic? Choose a loose twisted updo with soft pieces.
-
Want modern? Choose a sleek high bun or a low knot with a clean part.
Just a little note - some of the links on here may be affiliate links, which means I might earn a small commission if you decide to shop through them (at no extra cost to you!). I only post content which I'm truly enthusiastic about and would suggest to others.
And as you know, I seriously love seeing your takes on the looks and ideas on here - that means the world to me! If you recreate something, please share it here in the comments or feel free to send me a pic. I'm always excited to meet y'all! ✨🤍
Xoxo Charlotte
